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How does post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation develop?
You've probably heard of hyperpigmentation before. It refers to areas of skin that appear darker than others. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation also involves dark patches on the skin. However, these are triggered by injury. Learn more about this and what you can do about it here.
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How the environment affects your skin
The skin is not only our largest organ, it's also sensitive—sometimes more, sometimes less. However, how healthy and clean it is isn't just a matter of genetics. The environment also influences the skin. This is scientifically proven. Learn more about this influence and what you can do to protect your skin here. Which environmental influences are bad for the skin? When we hear the word "environment," we often think first of pollution. And pollution can have a significant impact on our skin. Invisible particulate matter in the air, in particular, can worsen the appearance of our skin. You can't escape environmental influences like exhaust fumes, particulate matter, and other contaminants. But you can protect your skin from them. More on that later. In addition to the obvious environmental influences that are bad for the skin, UV radiation also plays a major role. While this can provide a brilliant tan, it is unfortunately damaging to the skin. The weather itself also affects the condition of your skin. You've probably noticed that your skin is drier in winter than in summer. Environmental influences include everything that affects your skin in addition to your genes. This also applies to your personal lifestyle. For example, what you eat, how much stress you experience, or how much you drink can affect your skin positively or negatively. How does the environment affect the skin? If all these environmental factors are allowed to influence your skin unchecked, it can have negative consequences. For example, premature skin aging can set in, manifesting as small or large wrinkles. Pimples and blackheads can develop, as can dark spots. The skin can become dry or excessively oily. A tired and dull complexion can also be the result of environmental influences. All of these things can be prevented with the right care and protection. How can you protect your skin from environmental influences? The skin barrier is important for protecting your skin. It forms a film over your skin and protects it from harmful environmental influences. To maintain this stability, the right skincare routine is crucial. This depends largely on your personal skin type. Oily skin certainly has different needs than dry skin . Nevertheless, there are basic things you can keep in mind when caring for your skin, regardless of your skin type. It's important, for example, to avoid using harsh products. Especially for people prone to blemishes , the temptation to use cleansing products or creams containing harsh ingredients that promise to provide quick relief is great. They may do so at first. Over time, however, they destroy the skin barrier and have the exact opposite effect. Environmental influences then have an easy time penetrating your skin, causing even more blemishes, wrinkles, dark spots, or dehydration. Use a skincare product that supports your skin barrier. Ingredients like vitamin C are ideal for this. Moisture is also important for healthy skin that is well protected against environmental influences. Our Vitamin C Cream , for example, offers excellent care; it ensures a radiant complexion while effectively combating impurities and protecting the skin from harmful environmental influences. Another important way to protect your skin from environmental influences is with a good sun protection factor. As already mentioned, UV rays are harmful to the skin. They also lead to premature skin aging and dark spots. Therefore, apply an SPF every day. A day cream with a built-in SPF is ideal for this. Our Hyaluron Cream SPF 20, for example, not only provides you with intensive moisture, but with SPF 20, it is also perfectly suited to protecting your skin from the sun's rays. If you don't want to use a day cream with SPF, you can simply apply it over the cream. In the evening, you should opt for a skincare product that regenerates overnight. Our Retinol Serum not only makes your skin smoother and plumper, but the active ingredient also helps protect it from harmful environmental influences. You can then apply the Cell Repair Cream, which contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe vera, and citrus extract, among other ingredients. These ingredients help stimulate your skin's cell regeneration and also protect against environmental influences. How important is daily cleansing of the skin against environmental influences? Exhaust fumes and fine dust in the air settle on your skin – there's not much you can do about it. With a healthy skin barrier, this isn't so tragic, but it's still important to rid your skin of these environmental influences every day. Therefore, cleanse your face thoroughly every evening. The best way to do this is with a double cleansing routine. Start by using an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, SPF, dirt, and sebum. Our Gentle Oil Cleanser is ideal for this. The second step in your daily cleansing routine is deep pore cleansing. Our Cleansing Foam leaves your skin refreshed and clarified and also regulates sebum production. For a perfect cleansing routine, you should also exfoliate at least once a week. Here, too, the most important rule is to avoid harsh products, as scrubs in particular can quickly damage the skin barrier. Our Enzyme Scrub with pineapple and papaya enzymes cleanses your skin particularly gently yet deeply. How can the skin be supported in everyday life? A good skincare routine and daily use of sunscreen are already important steps in protecting your skin from environmental influences. But your personal lifestyle also has a major impact on your entire body. An unhealthy diet, insufficient fluid intake, and excessive stress can all have a negative impact on your skin. Therefore, try to eat as healthily as possible. Sugary foods and excessive dairy products promote blemishes. Hydration is important for your skin, not only externally but also internally. You should drink at least 1.5 liters a day. Water is best. Also, make sure you balance things out when you're under a lot of stress—your skin will thank you. Conclusion: We cannot escape environmental influences, but we can protect our skin It's impossible to completely protect your skin from environmental influences. Therefore, good protection is essential. Maintain a healthy skin barrier by supporting it with high-quality active ingredients. Antioxidant ingredients include vitamin C and various enzymes. Also important is a good sun protection factor, which you should use daily – even in rainy weather. Combine this with a largely healthy lifestyle, and nothing will stand in the way of a radiant complexion and clear, youthfully fresh-looking skin.
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Skincare tips for the new year - how to get your skin in shape
Do you have any New Year's resolutions? We all know this: in January, you make a lot of resolutions – some you keep, some you don't. But when it comes to your skin, you should stick to them. It will thank you! We've compiled a few skincare resolutions that you can easily keep. Make 2023 your year for radiantly beautiful skin – we'll show you how! 1. Find your skincare routine Not all skin is the same. That's why there's no one-size-fits-all skincare routine. It all depends on your personal skin type. Naturally, dry skin has completely different needs than oily skin . There's also sensitive skin and skin that tolerates absolutely anything. Therefore, it's vital to find a skincare routine that suits you and your skin type. The first step is to determine your skin type and what your skin needs. Then you can find the right products for you. If you're unsure, you'll find all the important information in our Skincare Guide or in our Skintime videos. 2. Cleanse your face daily No matter what skin type you have, it is absolutely essential to cleanse your skin every day. But be careful! You shouldn't use overly aggressive products, as these can disrupt the skin barrier. First of all, it is important to consistently remove your makeup every evening. Improperly removed makeup is a common cause of impure skin. An oil-based cleanser, such as our Gentle Oil Cleanser , is ideal for removing makeup and coarse dirt and sunscreen. Afterwards, you should use a mild product, such as our Cleansing Foam . It cleanses your skin deep down and ensures a clear complexion. You can also pamper your skin with a scrub once or twice a week, but not every day. But here too, less is more. Overly vigorous rubbing or sharp-edged scrub particles irritate your skin unnecessarily. Our Enzyme Scrub with pineapple and papaya enzymes removes dead skin cells particularly gently. 3. SPF is your BFF - Always use sunscreen Do you only use sunscreen on beach vacations? You should change that immediately. Regardless of whether it's cloudy or not, as soon as you're outside, your skin is exposed to the sun's dangerous UV rays. Without adequate protection, this can lead to wrinkles, dark spots, and, in the worst case, even skin cancer. You can either apply sunscreen over your daily moisturizer or use a day cream that already contains it. Our Hyaluron Cream SPF 20 is the perfect everyday companion. However, when actively sunbathing on the beach, you should use at least SPF 50. 4. Clean everything that comes into contact with your face You already know it's important to clean your face daily. But all objects that come into contact with your face should also be hygienic. First and foremost is your smartphone. If you carry it around with you all day, it can be a breeding ground for bacteria. When you're on the phone, it's right next to your face. Special wipes are available for cleaning your smartphone that ensure hygienic cleanliness. Second, your cosmetic brushes. You can easily clean them regularly with a gentle shampoo and a little water. This removes all oils and other residues. 5. Drink plenty of water We often hear that skin needs moisture. And it doesn't just need it from the outside. Therefore, it's important to drink plenty of water. Aim for at least 1.5 liters a day, and two or three in hot weather or while exercising. If you get bored of water over time, you can also opt for unsweetened tea. An extra tip: Starting your day with a glass of lukewarm lemon water can also have a positive effect on your skin. 6. Sleeping Beauty Yes, it's true – sleep is important for your well-being and therefore also for your skin. While you sleep, your body releases a growth hormone, which, among other things, promotes skin regeneration. If you don't get enough sleep, it can also affect your skin: a pale complexion, dark circles under the eyes, and wrinkles are the result. So make sure you get enough sleep. For adults, that's about seven to eight hours per night. 7. Beautiful from the inside - eat healthy A healthy and balanced diet has a positive effect on the entire body – and therefore also on your skin. Therefore, you should primarily choose foods that provide you with vitamins and other beneficial nutrients. Vitamins A, B2, and C, as well as biotin, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, are important for the skin. These nutrients and vitamins are found in foods such as fruit and vegetables, potatoes, oatmeal, cheese, and nuts. Highly processed foods, as well as too many dairy products and sugar, are less good for the skin. The results of a change in diet can include fewer wrinkles, fewer blemishes, and a radiant complexion. 8. Consistency is key: Persevere! To really do something good for your skin and keep it healthy and clear, you need perseverance. And it's not as difficult as it might sound. Once you've found a skincare routine that suits you, you'll feel like you won't want to miss it again. And the most important word is already in the term: routine. Make your evening cleansing routine a ritual, and it will quickly become routine. Have a large bottle of water ready, which you must drink throughout the day. And as for nutrition: A healthy and balanced diet doesn't mean you have to give up everything. The right amount is crucial. So try to incorporate our tips into your daily routine, and you'll find that sticking with it isn't so difficult. January is the perfect start for new routines; after all, it represents a fresh start and a detox from old habits. Seize the opportunity and soon you'll enjoy a completely new feeling in your skin.
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5 tips for dry winter skin
Cold, wind, and dry air from heating: The cold season can take its toll on our skin. Those who already suffer from dry skin will notice it even more acutely in the winter months. Combination or oily skin also often becomes drier in winter. The skin feels tight, red, or even flaky. But with the right skin care, your skin will stay velvety soft even in wind and weather. We'll show you how!
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Stress - how it affects your skin
"The skin is the mirror of the soul," "it gets under your skin," "that (doesn't) bother me." All these sayings are very common in our everyday language. And they're not without reason. Stress and what it does to the entire body does indeed have an impact on the skin. Learn what these effects are and what you can do about them here. What is stress actually? Stress has already become a household word. When someone doesn't have time for a conversation, they often say they're stressed. Anyone who has a lot to do is also stressed. But can stress be defined? In fact, everyone deals with stress differently. Some are significantly more resilient than others. What's already too much for one person may be just beginning for another. Stress is therefore a very individual phenomenon and therefore difficult to describe in general terms. Scientifically speaking, stress is anything that causes the body to react. Heat is a good example – the body reacts to it by sweating. Even with a high workload, some people break out in a sweat, and their heart might even race, while others remain relaxed. How does stress affect the skin? No matter how stress-resistant you are, you've certainly experienced stress at some point. And this affects the skin—it can truly be described as a mirror of the soul. Our outward appearance can react differently to short-term stress than to chronic stress. When we're angry, we blush. When we get stressed, we get red spots on our face and décolleté, and when we receive a compliment, our cheeks flush. Fear or even a particularly beautiful song can trigger goosebumps. All of these are automatic processes in the body; we react to emotions. However, these skin changes usually disappear on their own after a few minutes. But emotions aren't the only thing that affects the skin. Stress can also become chronic. If we're constantly under pressure, for example, because we have to perform at a high level at work, our body releases increased amounts of stress hormones. These hormones can cause unsightly skin changes. Furthermore, increased stress levels lead to a weakened immune system. We become more susceptible to infections, but also to inflammation, which naturally also affects the skin. The consequences of stress on the skin are either dry patches , as the skin barrier's ability to regenerate is disrupted. It loses moisture and begins to feel tight or rough. Stress and dry skin also promote the formation of wrinkles. Conversely, stress hormones can also lead to excessive sebum production, which increases the incidence of blemishes and pimples. Skin problems can lead to stress People suffering from problematic skin often experience stress. Visible skin changes like acne or psoriasis often make those affected feel embarrassed. Yet, such conditions are often exacerbated by stress. Conversely, stress can also trigger these changes. You can quickly slip into a vicious cycle where stress causes poor skin, and conversely, poor skin triggers stress. How should you care for stressed skin? When it comes to stress-related skin problems, external care is unfortunately only a small part of the bigger picture. Of course, it's still important to take proper care of your skin and not put unnecessary strain on it. Many sufferers then start using aggressive cleansers or completely over-treating their skin in an effort to quickly get rid of the blemishes or dry skin. The right approach, however, is to pay close attention to what your skin needs. If it's dry, rough, and flaky, you should counteract this with targeted moisturizing care. For example, use our Hyaluronic Acid Serum in combination with a moisturizing cream, such as our Vitamin C Cream . If you suffer from blemishes , then make sure you maintain a gentle yet effective cleansing routine. Our Cleansing Foam combined with our Facial Toner is a great option. Thanks to their mild formulas, both products gently cleanse your skin but penetrate deep into the pores, helping to combat impurities. You can also use a chemical peel once or twice a week. Our Enzyme Peeling gently removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin smooth. What else can you do to combat stress? However, proper skin care is only effective if you address the root cause of your problems. Ideally, you should avoid stress in your daily life so that skin problems don't develop in the first place. Of course, this is easier said than done at first, but you can definitely try. For example, create a balance to your daily work routine. Exercise, as this releases endorphins and prevents stress. Regular meditation helps you relax. After a stressful day at work, a warm bath is a real miracle cure for reducing your stress levels. You can also treat yourself to a relaxing massage every now and then. So, there are a few things you can do to avoid getting stressed in the first place. Also, actively take time for yourself. We live in a world where we're constantly on edge. Simply lying on the couch and doing nothing makes many people feel guilty. But it shouldn't. Admit to yourself that your body needs rest every now and then and consciously enjoy this downtime. This will also help you become more relaxed. Conclusion: Stress is poison for the skin Too much stress puts enormous strain on your body. Your immune system weakens, and infections soon become commonplace. On top of that, too much stress often leads to sleepless nights, which leave you feeling even weaker. All of this also affects the skin. Excessive stress leads to the release of certain hormones that negatively impact the skin barrier and skin health. Therefore, if you're already noticing skin blemishes or changes due to stress, you should urgently change your daily routine to be more relaxed. Proper skin care is also important during such times. Ideally, you can prevent stress in the first place so that these skin problems don't arise in the first place.
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Occlusion - the keyword for dry skin
The fact that skin needs moisture to appear plump and youthful is often emphasized when it comes to skin care, especially anti-aging . However, a term that is increasingly heard in connection with dry skin is "occlusion." But what does that actually mean, and which products are occlusive? What is occlusion? The word occlusion has its origins in Latin. Translated, it means something like "to close," and that actually captures the meaning quite well. Occlusive products penetrate the top layer of skin and seal it so that no moisture can escape. Occlusives, as these sealing products are called, form a protective film over your skin and lock in moisture. This makes it appear plump, wrinkles are smoothed out, and the result is youthful-looking skin. Incidentally, occlusive products not only have an enclosing effect, but also an excluding effect. This means they can help protect your skin from environmental influences like dirt that can lead to blemishes. So you see, occlusive products are good for your skin in two ways. Why is moisture so important for the skin? Everyone is constantly preaching that your skin needs plenty of moisture to look young and fresh. But you might be wondering why moisture is actually so important for your skin. Just imagine a grape. It's plump and without any wrinkles or shriveled areas. Now imagine a raisin. It's smaller than a grape and not plump, but rather shriveled. But a raisin is nothing more than a dried grape. The same thing happens with your skin. If it doesn't get enough moisture or loses the moisture it receives, it essentially collapses. This is how wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin develop. So that your skin doesn't sooner or later remind you of a raisin, but remains a grape for as long as possible, it needs moisture. You can supply it with this from the outside and from the inside. From the inside, it's not that complicated. Simply drink plenty of water or unsweetened tea throughout the day. At least two liters should be enough. Providing your skin with sufficient moisture from the outside is easier said than done, however, because the skin can't easily retain the applied moisture. Why does skin lose moisture? The fact that your skin can't retain 100% of the moisture it receives is due to a compromised skin barrier. This may sound bad, but it's not uncommon. The skin barrier can be damaged by overly harsh cleansers or environmental influences. Furthermore, with age, the skin increasingly loses its ability to retain moisture. This is also the reason why babies, children, and adolescents typically have plump, rosy skin. The loss of water through the skin barrier is called transepidermal moisture loss, or TEWL for short. To enjoy plump skin again and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, you need to prevent or counteract this TEWL. And the best way to do this is with occlusion. What are occlusive ingredients? When it comes to occlusive ingredients in cosmetics, a distinction is made between natural and synthetic substances. The latter includes, for example, silicones, which are still found in many skincare products. However, there are also a variety of natural occlusives that can be used in cosmetics and that are neither harmful to the environment nor to the skin. These include, in particular, plant oils and fats such as the very popular Shea butter , jojoba oil, macadamia oil, and many more. To seal your skin barrier and keep moisture where it belongs, you should look for ingredients like these. What should be considered when it comes to occlusion in skin care? So you see, it's not enough to simply moisturize the skin regularly. Because it's usually not retained sufficiently, additional products that have an occlusive effect on the skin must be used. It is best to use a combined care regime for your skin. Ideally, you should always start your skincare routine with the Cleaning . For this, you can use our Cleansing Foam and then our gentle Facial Tonic . This is followed by a moisturizing serum. For example, we recommend our Hyaluron Serum . Thanks to the high dose of short and long chain Hyaluronic acid The skin is provided with plenty of moisture, wrinkles and fine lines are prevented. Our Niacinamide Serum provides your skin with sufficient moisture. The final step is especially important so your skin can absorb and, above all, retain moisture. To prevent the water from escaping through the skin barrier, you must now seal it. The best way to do this is with a soothing cream with high-quality ingredients. All our Creams have occlusive substances, so they can be the optimal last step in your skincare routine. In our Daily Hydration The cream, for example, contains two very high-quality occlusive ingredients: shea butter and macadamia oil, which seal your skin's barrier and thus prevent moisture loss. At the same time, the cream gives your skin an additional moisture boost, which is absolutely essential for youthful and firm skin. Conclusion: Occlusion is important for dry skin Occlusion certainly makes sense in skincare. However, as always when it comes to your skincare, pay attention to the ingredients of your products. Ideally, use ones with natural ingredients and without silicones. Occlusion is especially important for dry skin, of course, but mature skin also needs plenty of moisture. It may also be the case that you don't normally have dry skin, but need to pay more attention to hydration in winter, as cold or dry air from heating can take a toll on your skin. Occlusion works best when you first apply a hydrating serum and then seal in that moisture by sealing your skin barrier. So, always follow a serum with a cream containing occlusive ingredients like plant-based oils or fats to ensure the moisture can work as intended.
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Skin blemishes after stopping the pill - what you can do
There are various reasons why women want to stop taking the pill. For some, it's the desire to have children; others are switching to a hormone-free method of contraception. However, stopping the pill is always accompanied by the fear of skin blemishes. But where do these blemishes come from, and how can you best support your skin after stopping the pill?
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Summer tan until autumn – how to make it last extra long
You've probably experienced this: you've spent your vacation at the beach or by the pool, spent a lot of time outdoors, and finally have a radiant tan. A tan looks fresh, and minor blemishes or uneven skin are naturally concealed. Unfortunately, one thing remains the same every year: as soon as the sun disappears or your vacation is over, your summer tan disappears too. Find out how to extend it into the fall here.
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Skin care during pregnancy – What you should consider
Some people literally blossom and enjoy a radiant complexion, while others struggle with acne, dry skin, and itching. Pregnancy disrupts hormones, leaving pregnant women with a mystery. Numerous myths surround skin care during pregnancy, some of which cause considerable uncertainty. But what should expectant mothers really keep in mind when it comes to skin care?
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